Olympics

Pine Richland grad chosen as alternate for U.S. Olympic soccer team

PITTSBURGH — Meghan Klingenberg grew up playing soccer on the fields at Pine Richland. Now she is heading to the Olympics as an alternate for the women’s team.

Before leaving for London, Klingenberg held a soccer camp in Cranberry Township for future stars of the game.

"These kids have big dreams, and I know soccer has opened up so many doors for me," she told Channel 11's Rich Walsh.
The biggest door soccer has opened up for Klingenberg is a trip to the Olympics.

“It’s an honor,” she said.  “Being able to go to the Olympics is kind of a dream come true.”

Klingenberg said competing in the Olympics has been a dream of hers since she was 9 years old.

“Going from a kid that had big dreams to actually living them out has been an incredible experience,” she said.

Klingenberg is one of four alternates for the U.S. women’s soccer team. She will not play unless someone gets hurt.

“You have to be ready,” she said of her opportunity.” I know I’m here to be ready and step in and play."

Even if she doesn’t play, Klingenberg said she will be watching the games from the stands and learning as much as she can in hopes of making the roster in 2016.